Building Bridges, Shaping Futures:

EnvironMentors’ Impact on Underrepresented Students in STEM

EnvironMentors, a national college access program initiated by the National Council for Science and the Environment (NSCE), has been making significant strides in bridging the gap in STEM education for underrepresented high school and college students. With its mission to mentor and motivate students from diverse communities, EnvironMentors aims to cultivate their interest in science, equip them with essential skills, and inspire them to become active stewards of their communities and the environment.

Number of Students Paired With Mentors

Organizations (Chapters) Involved

Researchers and Students from AESEDA Involved

EnvironMentors at Penn State:

Penn State joined EnvironMentors in 2018, establishing a chapter dedicated to connecting underrepresented high school and college students across Pennsylvania to valuable STEM opportunities. At Penn State EnvironMentors, high school students are paired with undergraduate students and campus faculty members who serve as their mentors. Together, they collaborate on research projects throughout the academic year, providing students with valuable experiences and fostering their interest in scientific fields.

The Role of AESEDA:

AESEDA plays a crucial role in recruiting and supporting underrepresented high school and undergraduate students, with a specific focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. By providing mentorship, research opportunities, and engaging activities, AESEDA helps maintain students’ interest in pursuing higher education in STEM and equips them with the necessary skills to thrive in their academic journeys.

Recruitment, Retention, and Role Models:

Penn State EnvironMentors embodies the three pillars of Recruitment, Retention, and Role Models, which are at its core. The program seeks to recruit more underrepresented high school and undergraduate students into STEM fields in order to address the disparities in the sciences. Once accepted into the program, students are paired with dedicated faculty mentors who guide them through their research projects. Additionally, undergraduate mentors serve as role models, providing guidance and inspiration for their high school student mentees to pursue STEM careers and higher education.

Success Stories:

Over the years, Penn State EnvironMentors has witnessed numerous success stories, where participants have gone on to achieve remarkable accomplishments. Larry Li, a former high school participant, credits EnvironMentors for introducing him to the collaborative nature of STEM research. Natalia Carrasco-Munoz, an undergraduate student, discovered her passion for renewable energy through the program and is now studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame. Shawn Oputa found confidence in his leadership skills, shaping his path towards a cybersecurity major. These success stories showcase the transformative impact of EnvironMentors on students’ academic and career journeys.

Looking Ahead:

Penn State EnvironMentors, under the leadership of Dr. Gregory Jenkins (Program Director), remains committed to empowering underrepresented students and nurturing their interest in STEM. Through mentorship, research projects, and engaging activities, the program continues to inspire and prepare students to become future leaders in science and environmental stewardship. By harnessing the power of partnerships and collaborations, Penn State EnvironMentors aims to create a more diverse and inclusive scientific community.

EnvironMentors, with its national presence and local impact, serves as a catalyst for transforming the lives of underrepresented students in STEM. The Penn State chapter, supported by AESEDA, exemplifies the commitment to recruiting, retaining, and inspiring students to pursue careers in science and related fields. As EnvironMentors alumni forge their paths in colleges, universities, and careers, their experiences within the program serve as a testament to the program’s efficacy. With ongoing dedication and support, EnvironMentors will continue to break barriers and empower students, creating a brighter future for STEM education and environmental stewardship.